Waiving David Amerson shrinks 2013 class

Ben Standig

09/21/2015

The final Redskins draft class under Mike Shanahan lost its leading man.

Once upon a time - otherwise known as 2013 - Chris Thompson was part of a seven-member draft class. Following the release of cornerback David Amerson, the top selection in that group, only three remain.

The Washington Redskins announced Monday the release of the former second round pick. Thompson and tight end Jordan Reed are all that remains from former coach Mike Shanahan's final draft.

[UPDATE - This post originally included OT Tom Compton as a member of the 2013 class. He was drafted in 2012.]

"It's tough. It's tough seeing guys go anytime," Thompson told Breaking Burgundy following Monday's walkthrough. "I came in with [Amerson]. Me and Compton were talking about. There are not many of us left from our draft class."

Though active, Amerson did not receive a single defensive snap in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Rams.

"He was a high drafted guy. It hurts to see him leave," Thompson continued. "I played against him in college and everything. I wish him the best. It won't take long for him to get another opportunity."

Washington needed to open a roster spot. The team planned to re-sign defensive end Frank Kearse, who was released ahead of Sunday's game. The Redskins added inside linebacker Terrance Plummer to face the Rams.

With Chris Culliver returning from a one-game suspension, the Redskins had six corners on the roster. That includes Will Blackmon, who did receive playing time Sunday despite only joining the team last week.

Now they have five corners.

The news came out just as coach Jay Gruden began his press conference.

"With the guys that we brought in with [DeAngelo Hall] playing well and obviously Culliver, Amerson was just the odd man out unfortunately," Gruden said. "He had some good moments here as a Washington Redskin but we thought it was time to make a move and part ways.”

Amerson labored in coverage throughout training camp and strgggled in the season opener against the Dolphins. Miami threw in his direction on eight consecutive plays in the second quarter with the final throw completed for a touchdown.

What this means: The Redskins released safety Philip Thomas, a fourth round pick in 2013, during training camp. The other members of the 2013 class were DE Brandon Jenkins, safety Baccari Rambo and running back Juwan Jamison. Rambo remains in the NFL as a member of the Buffalo Bills.

As for Amerson...Best of luck to him hopefully he lands on his feet elsewhere. For the Redskins, this move was weeks overdue. Maybe Amerson doesn't make it out of camp if Breeland wasn't facing a one-game suspension or he and Hall weren't recovering from injuries.

The Redskins have a viable trio at the had of their CB depth chart. They face a major test Thursday with Giants wide receive Odell Beckham Jr.